Sustainability and Green Development in Urban Policies and Strategies

Adaptation to climate change is increasingly becoming a priority for policy action. In April 2009, the European Commission released a White Paper outlining a proposed framework for action to reduce vulnerability and adapt to climate change (European Commission, 2009). The White Paper refers to the importance of a climate adaptation strategy and sustainability that integrates all areas of regional and municipal development including agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, public infrastructure (incl. building, transport, energy and water supply), tourism, human, animal and plant health, water resources and ecosystem loss (including marine ecosystems and biodiversity). One of the main issues is how to and why integrating the green developments into urban policies. In this paper we show the main objectives of London's greening program, and some possible elements of the green developments in Csmr's adaptation strategy. Comparing the two examined cities there are differences according to their size, population, greening possibilities and financial backgrounds. However, it can be seen that the focus points of the adaptation strategies are more close to each other.